The cross country season is drawing to a close, with the sectional race scheduled for Saturday morning, Nov. 1, with the state meet to take place Nov. 8.

Sectionals will be held at Cross Roads Park in Gilbert, with the girls set to run at 2:30 p.m. and the boys hitting the trail at 3 p.m.

Before gearing up for the sectional meet, however, the Falcons first had to put away the regular season with two meets last week. The first was hosted out of Wickenburg, with the last taking place on the high school campus as the Falcons ended their run in front of a hometown crowd.

Wickenburg

Last Wednesday, Oct. 8, the Falcons hit the road to Wickenburg to run on a course that, according to head coach Todd Brecto, the Falcons enjoy quite a bit.

“We like to run this course for a couple of reasons,” Brecto explained.

“One, it is run completely on grass at the Country Club. The other is that it is very challenging and hilly, just like the state course.”

Brecto explained that a runner will never claim their fastest time on a course like that, but it does a great job of getting the kids ready for the final races of the season.

Racing against three total teams, the Lady Falcons absolutely dominated the competition, claiming places one through five for a perfect score.

Brooke Yost, Hope Brecto and Kailee Martin hit the finish line within two seconds of each other and, not far behind them, Emmie Lawrence and Danica Kerr finished up the top five, with Kelsey Schultz, Alexandra Coons and Taylor Johnson not too far off.

The boys also took first place overall, with strong performances coming from Matt Siewert in first and Hayden Brecto in second.

“All of the other Falcons had a great race,” Brecto added.

Fountain Hills

On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Falcons hosted their final meet of the regular season out of the high school, with 13 teams arriving from all over the state.

Brecto said the girls once again took first place overall with a team total of 37 points. The boys also did well, placing fourth with 116 points.

“The meet was a great success thanks to all of the parents and volunteers who donated their time Saturday morning,” Brecto added.

“I would like to send a big thank you to those parents and volunteers who have been an asset to our team all year.”

In the girls’ varsity run, Hope Brecto came in first for the Falcons at 21:12. Kailee Martin was next at 21:16, followed by Brooke Yost and Danica Kerr at 21:52 and 21:57 respectively. Emmie Lawrence wrapped up the top five finishes for the Falcons in 12th place overall with her time of 22:42.

Over to the boys, Hayden Brecto was first for the Falcons and seventh overall with a time of 17:45. Matt Siewert was next at 17:54, with Ryder Worden coming in at 18:58.

David Griffo was fourth for the Falcons at 19:47, with Jordan Smout wrapping up the top five at 20:17.

The event ended with the Falcons recognizing their massive roster of 15 seniors.